Kendrick Lamar cements generational run, promotes tour with SZA in Super Bowl Halftime show
Micheal gives his first thoughts about the Kendrick Lamar halftime show
Kendrick Lamar capped off the most momentous run of his career with a captivating performance at the Superbowl LIX (59) halftime show. He kept the audience on their toes with moving and morphing setpieces, humorous suspense and confident delivery.
The performance started off with a bang when Samuel L. Jackson declared the start of the show and served as Uncle Sam, clad in an American flag-themed suit.
The stage set was remnant of the ‘GNX’ album cover, with Kendrick standing on top of a model of the iconic Buick that inspired the album’s title. The performance begins with a solemn acapella verse that transitions smoothly into ‘Squabble Up.’
The high-octane energy was maintained with the next few songs. Kendrick played the songs I expected he would. Most of ‘good kid, m.a.a.d city’ is too graphic to perform for a Super Bowl audience. With ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’ being a very personal album that leaves much of his more pop-leaning material to be expected in the setlist.
Kendrick energetically danced and ran across the stage as he rapped ‘HUMBLE.’ and ‘DNA.’ back to back. He also performed some of ‘Euphoria,’ his first Drake diss track and teased ‘Not Like Us’ multiple times. The prevalence of foreshadowing throughout Lamar’s performance mirrored his use of it throughout the battle with Drake.
The choreography of the dancers was immaculate. Their color arrangement mirrored the American flag. It was a vibrant way of showcasing the politically provocative nature of Kendrick’s discography.
SZA’s presence changed the atmosphere instantly. The lights dim and the chemistry between Kendrick and SZA took center stage when they go back and forth during ‘Luther.’ Following this with ‘All the Stars’ and a surprise appearance from tennis legend Serena Williams in a dance routine was iconic.
Jackson appeared throughout the performance as an announcer for transitions to multiple acts of the performance. Jackson’s character was comedic in an absurd fashion. Kendrick paused to pose with dancers as the ‘Not Like Us’ instrumental played and paused abruptly was a running gag as well. This built the audience’s anticipation to a crescendo until Kendrick finally made Drake’s worst nightmare.
The entire stadium chanted “A minor’ at the top of their lungs. After dancing on the grave of his adversary, Kendrick finished the halftime show with a surprise appearance from DJ Mustard during the ‘tv off,’ a comedic ending. On the biggest televised musical event in America, Kendrick spited Drake with one more triumphant victory lap, and did so in emphatic fashion.
Kendrick’s performance was entrancing because it was perpetually changing. Starting a Super Bowl halftime show by establishing a recurring theatrical transition is one of the most unique creative decisions in the event’s history. SZA’s appearance was a perfect bridge between the more fervent parts of Kendrick’s performance. Having Samuel L. Jackson dramatically declare transitions was a perfect balance to the ominous acapella breaks. The foreshadowing of ‘Not Like Us’ made the finale a perfect peak to end the show on.
Micheal Jacobs III is a staff writer for The Palmetto. He thinks Jordan versus Lebron is the most overrated debate ever. His main focuses are music, basketball and combat sports. If you have a comment or tip for Micheal, feel free to contact him on social media or through email.
Reach Micheal at micheal@thepalmetto.org.